We Did Not Renovate 25 Boreholes With N1.2bn” – Sokoto State Government

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the criticism which greeted the news that the Sokoto State Government spent a whopping N1.2 Billion to renovate 25 Boreholes the Government has said that nothing could be further from the truth.

Making clarifications, the State Government said the N1.2 billion was spent on drilling new boreholes, not on renovating existing ones.

This clarification comes in response to social media reports quoting the State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, as stating that the amount was used for the renovation of 25 boreholes.

Abubakar Bawa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor stated in  a press statement on Thursday, that the allegation was spread to put the Government in bad state.

Bawa described the reports as a misconception spread by detractors.

He said, “The Sokoto State Government has been made aware of a misconception circulating about its efforts to provide potable drinking water to rural areas through the drilling of boreholes.

“The misinformation claims that the state government spent N1.2 billion renovating boreholes in some areas of Wurno Local Government.

“In reality, the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank under the ACReSAL programme, has drilled 25 solar-powered boreholes in Munki, Marnona, Dinawa, Lugu, and Wurno.

“This also includes perimeter fencing and a 40-kilometre shelter belt, all at the cost of N1.2 billion.

“Contrary to the suggestion that N1.2 billion was spent on renovating boreholes, the amount actually covers the drilling of 25 new solar-powered boreholes and other related projects, not renovations.

“It is important to clarify that no boreholes existed in these areas before this administration.

“This administration initiated these projects to address the long-standing water scarcity in these communities.”

Bawa further explained that the people of Wurno Local Government have long faced severe water shortages, forcing residents to travel long distances for water, which has impacted school enrolment and retention.

“The Ahmed Aliyu administration’s decision to drill solar-powered boreholes in collaboration with the World Bank and the ACReSAL programme aims to alleviate this problem.

“You cannot renovate a project that does not exist. There were no boreholes in these areas before this administration took office.

“These communities have only recently experienced the benefits of boreholes thanks to the efforts of a responsive and dedicated governor.”

He concluded by stating that the purpose of the statement is to correct the record and address the misconceptions propagated by those with ill intentions.